Plant Trees for Arbor Day

National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April each year, but individual state observances vary according to the best tree-planting times. North Carolina's Arbor Day is the first Friday after March 15. Arbor Day began in Nebraska in 1872 at the suggestion of newspaper journalist J. Sterling Morton. Morton not only advocated tree planting by individuals, but he also encouraged civic organizations and groups to join in. To commemorate Arbor Day, you can plant a tree on your own or host an event in your community that includes tree-planting. The city of Statesville hosts a noteworthy celebration on March 18 that includes a children's festival with storytelling, activities and free trees. For more information, visit www.statesvilletrees.org With a $10 membership, the National Arbor Day Foundation will send you 10 trees (6- to 12-inches tall) of varying species suitable for your region. They also sell tree seedlings in attractive gift containers for weddings or other special events. For more information, call 1-888-448-7337 or visit www.arborday.org